If there is one place in India that appears to be straight out of fairytales, it is Yuksom in Sikkim. And when I think of that place, I remember peace, serenity, greenery, birds, flowers, fish, and all things pretty and beautiful. And that is why it is the ideal candidate for the Time-Turner Series.
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The Time-Turner series is my opportunity to pen down the lingering memories and impressions of a place I have visited. It helps me relive the experience a bit and also reflect upon the aspects of the place that stood out the most to me.
We had planned a couple of days’ stay in Pelling but only half a day in Yuksom. If there was any regret during our Sikkim tour, it was that we didn't spend enough time at Yuksom. We should have at least stayed a night. Waking up in this wonderful town would have been some experience. Because it looked like a place where pastel-colored musicals are filmed. A place where nothing bad can ever happen.
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One memory that stands out in particular is that of two ducks walking side-by-side along the road against a backdrop of lush green on the sidewalk. I think I may have built the scene up a little in my memory, but then it was such a scene. And then we chanced upon the most ethereal lake possible.
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Lake Kathog (also known as Karthok) revealed itself to us suddenly as we crossed a grassy trail after purchasing a trivially priced ticket. It was silent except the rush of winds through the trees and on the grasses. There were a few birds putting up their most melodious performance. Countless goldfish swam around peacefully. Can anything be more pristine?
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The next memory that stands out is that of the long trek to Dubdi Monastery. While the Monastery lies at the top of a hill, with a steep, paved walk leading up to it through the forest, the destination is completely worth the arduous journey. I remember lush lawns, classic dampness of a place high up in the mountains, amid clouds. I also remember colourful flowers. There was also another couple enjoying the same sight.
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We also remember a visit to the Coronation Throne. The Coronation Throne is placed in a compound made of stone. There is a temple and a large prayer wheel too in the compound. The place is quiet and serene and has a few benches here and there where you can sit and just be.
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It was heaven if there is one. We reached the Yuksom Bazaar and occupied a table at the Traditional Inn restaurant. We ordered food and watched a swallow dart in and out of the neighboring restaurant. Neither the swallow nor the restaurant owner were perturbed by each other's presence.
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If I talk about my most favorite places in the world, Yuksom is definitely somewhere on the top of the list. To my mind it is a slice of Scottish Highlands right here in India. It is also one of the places right out of the Enid Blyton fairytales. It is a place I would love to go back to and just walk around day after day after day.
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